Ukrainian Olga Kharlan was third. She was stronger (15-10) than Manon Brunet of France who is fourth.

It was the first all-Russian Olympic fencing final in the past 20 years. The last time it happened in Atlanta in 1996 when Stanislav Pozdnyakov beat compatriot Sergei Sharikov in men’s sabre fencing final.

Russian (Soviet) women have not won Olympic gold in fencing in individual disciplines since 1968 when Yelena Belova won an individual competition in foil fencing.

Velikaya is the 2012 Olympic silver medalist in the individual event; seven-time world and 11-time European champion.

Yergoryan has a world champion title and four gold medals won at the European championships.

The Russian squad has 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals at the Rio Olympics.